3 Routine Car Checks to Maintain your Car

Key checks to help keep your car running smoothly throughout the year.

Published: 25 Jan 2021 Last updated: 03 Jul 2026 2 mins read

Key points:

  • A few simple checks each year can help keep your car dependable.

  • Staying prepared can help you avoid inconvenience and keep journeys running smoothly.

  • Regular care can support safer driving for you and others road users.

  • Taking small steps now can help keep your car ready for the year ahead.

Looking ahead with simple checks can help keep your car road ready

In previous episodes of our series, car expert Bob Flavin discussed the importance of car maintenance and things you should check regularly. Now, Bob is back to discuss three key car checks that should be carried out every six to 12 months.

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Transcript 

00:00:00 Music playing in the background throughout the video

00:00:00 Bob Flavin speaks to the camera directly

Gentle background music plays as Bob proceeds to give his top car maintenance tips.

My name is Bob Flavin and I am a huge car enthusiast. Cars are my passion in life, and I spent the past ten years reviewing cars, doing test drives and interviewing motorists for my YouTube channel.

00:00:11 Bob Flavin

Keeping your car in good condition is a must. Not only for you and your passenger’s safety, but for all other road users. So, here are three things you should do every six to twelve months.

00:00:20 Bob Flavin

Firstly, change your windscreen wipers. Check that your wiper blades are in good working order. It’s important to replace your wiper blades when they make that annoying noise or start to leave smears across your windscreen. You’d be glad of your wipers during our lovely Irish summer rain showers.

00:00:35 Bob Flavin

Secondly, pay attention to your car’s battery. Battery failure is one of most common causes of breakdown. If your battery is reaching the end of its life, it will usually let you know with sluggish starting when you are trying to start the engine. If your car has been sitting in the driveway more often, reduce the chances of your battery failing by using the trickle charger or a batty conditioner. This is the most effective way of keeping your battery healthy for long periods with little or no use. These can be purchased through your regular car retailer or you can get them online.

Remember at the end of every journey make sure the lights, the wipers and the heater are all switched off, this prevents any unnecessary drain on the battery the next time you start up.

00:01:11 Bob Flavin

Thirdly, and most importantly, get it serviced. It’s essential your car is serviced as often as specified in your car manufacturer’s manual. Or at least once a year, to ensure your car is in safe working order.

00:01:28 Finish.

Car Check 1 - Change your windscreen wipers

Bob’s first piece of advice is to make sure your wiper blades are in good condition and to know when to change them. The tell-tale signs that they need to be changed are when they start leaving streaks across your windscreen, or when they start making an irritating sound. Driving in Ireland, you can be sure you’ll need them in working order!

Winter can make driving conditions tricky, so be prepared. There are precautions to consider when driving during heavy rain or flooding, and it’s a good idea to go the extra mile in making sure your car is winter ready.

Car Check 2 - Pay attention to your car's battery

When it comes to breakdowns, one of the most common causes is battery failure. A slow start when you turn on the engine is a common sign that your battery may well be reaching the end of its life. Trickle chargers and battery conditioners are a great way to keep your battery sharp and your car ready for the road. You’ll find them at your regular car retailer or online.

Finally, at the end of every journey don’t forget to check that everything is switched off your lights, heater and wipers. This saves the battery from unnecessary drain when you’re next starting up the car.

Of course, it always pays to know how to deal with an unexpected breakdown, and don’t forget that with Aviva car insurance, breakdown rescue cover comes as standard on your policy, so we’ve got your back 24/7.

Car Check 3 - Get your car serviced

Last, but definitely not least, Bob’s final tip is to get your car serviced. Your car manufacturer’s manual will specify how often it should be serviced, and Bob says you should follow that advice or at the minimum, get a service once a year. A full service will ensure your car is in safe, working order, delivering peace of mind on top of everything else that comes with proper maintenance.

Keeping your car in good condition is a must not only for you and your passengers’ safety, but for all other road users.

Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram, where Bob will be revealing more tips and advice to do with car maintenance.

At Aviva, safe drivers save more so get 15% off car insurance when you buy online1. Get your quote today.

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